WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the inauguration of President-elect Xiomara Castro in Honduras next week, the White House said Tuesday, signaling a potential shift in relations with the Central American country as Harris continues efforts to deter migration.
“The vice president’s visit will further the commitment she and President-elect Castro made ... to deepen the partnership between the United States and Honduras and work together to advance economic growth, combat corruption, and address the root causes of migration,” Harris’ deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh wrote in a statement announcing attendance at the Jan. 27 ceremony.
Until speaking with Castro on Dec. 10 in a phone call, Harris had not had direct contact with any Honduran leaders, despite leading American efforts to curb migration from the region. The number of people stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border last year reached record levels, with many migrants beginning their journeys in Central America.
